Southgate: England owe ‘fantastic’ Hart for ‘important point’

Mark Scott

Joe Hart: To captain England against Lithuania

Interim England manager Gareth Southgate singled out Joe Hart for a “calm and composed” display on a tricky night in Slovenia.

The on-loan Torino goalkeeper was the stand-out player in our player ratings as England’s mistakes ultimately went unpunished in the 0-0 draw at Ljubljana.

Southgate told ITV: “The overall objective is to qualify so long term that could be an important point. Everyone can see we could be better but their chances came from our mistakes or set-pieces.

“We owe our goalkeeper really for getting a point. He was fantastic. He’s at his best when he’s calm and composed, it’s something we’ve discussed and this week his manner has been very calm. He was at his best tonight.

“It was a brilliant save, we didn’t start either half well and its an outstanding save that gets us a point.”

As for Southgate’s own England future, the ex-defender was to quick to thank the rest of his team before saying he will spend the next 48 hours to recharge the batteries and collect his thoughts.

He added: “I can’t thank the players and support team enough for the backing I have had. We wanted six points but we have taken over a mess and had to steady the ship. We are on track. I am going to have a couple of days to go and sleep.”